MP Area Chamber Alliance holds annual banquet

After 70 years in existence, there remain similarities for the challenges that lie ahead for the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, organization chief executive Kiley Miller says.

And Andy Zinkle, incoming president of the Chamber board of directors, says the Chamber’s role for the community has grown in importance because of recent economic challenges.

“Our businesses need the Chamber now more than ever,” says Zinkle, who is general manager of Staats manufacturing.

Both spoke to the attendees Thursday at the Alliance’s annual banquet at the Mt. Pleasant Golf and Country Club. Zinkle’s mention of the need for the Chamber may have been indicated by reports that the approximately 230 in attendance represented the largest turnout ever for the event.

Miller pointed out the Chamber’s start 70 years ago came in 1940 when the community and the nation were recovering from the Great Depression, while reeling from threats of war and violence from overseas. Added to that was the unprecedented growth in government known as the New Deal.

So the Chamber, he said, “was created in a time of trouble so similar to what we all face.”

Zinkle said in taking office that troubling situations should be viewed as opportunities. He said it could be a time for “a step back” to evaluate what the Chamber has been doing.

“Ultimately, we must focus on putting together programs and activities that have the greatest value to our members,” Zinkle said, adding, “This is your organization. Tell us what you want it to be.

Along with Zinkle, 2010 officers will include Troy Spence, president-elect; Mark Petty treasurer; Kathy Nellor, vice president of organizational development; Paul Dennison, vice president of community development; and Jason Bender, vice president of business development.

New to the board for 2010 are Dan Metiver, Liberty Foods; Mike Anderson, Shottenkirk Motors; and Diana Miller of Whitfield and Eddy, attorneys.